Root Canal Treatment in Guildford, Surrey

A tooth is made up of three main parts — the enamel, the dentine and the pulp. The pulp is soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. When it becomes infected, the pulp begins to die. This can happen when there is a cavity or the tooth is damaged and the pulp is exposed to bacteria.

When this happens, it’s important to address it quickly — left untreated, the dying pulp can lead to loss of the tooth or to abscesses. Performing a root canal procedure before this can happen allows us to save the tooth.

The aim of the treatment is to remove the infected pulp from the root canal. The tooth is then filled and a crown placed to protect it. First, a local anaesthetic is given to numb the area. A rubber dam is used to isolate the tooth and keep it dry and sterile.

A small access hole is made into the pulp chamber. The dentist then cleans and shapes the root canals using fine instruments. Once thoroughly cleaned, the canals are filled with a rubber-like material to prevent further infection, and a temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth. A permanent crown is fitted later to seal and strengthen the tooth.

Recovery is usually simple. Some people may need a brief follow-up, but many do not. Mild discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. The tooth should feel better within a few days, although mild sensitivity can last for a few weeks.

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, a root-treated tooth can last a lifetime — just like your other teeth.

The cost of root canal treatment depends on which tooth is being treated. Larger teeth with more root canals are more complex to treat. Our prices reflect this complexity, so treatment is priced based on the type of tooth.

Other factors can affect the price — for example, re-treatment of previous root canal work, or the need to extract and replace a tooth. When you visit us, we’ll discuss the cost of your treatment in detail before any procedure begins.